Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Issuing troop deployment orders required the emperor’s personal approval. Cheng Zheng, dragging his weary body, stamped the document.

Originally, he had merely caught a slight cold at the start of spring, which was long since cured. But to avoid trouble, he had pretended to be ill and dared not leave the gates of the Imperial Palace in recent days. Without sunlight and weighed down by anxiety, his complexion had grown pale, and even gripping the imperial seal had become a struggle. Ji Fang was discreetly observing him when he suddenly asked, “How has my sister’s health been lately?”

Ji Fang promptly bowed her neck and replied, “The Princess Royal is doing well. The Imperial Medical Department has been diligent, visiting daily to take her pulse. They say her health was not fully restored during her time in Dengzhou and now requires gradual recuperation.”

Cheng Zheng took a sip of water. “Nothing else?”

Ji Fang wondered what else there could be, when Cheng Zheng abruptly changed the subject. “When summer arrives, her appetite falters. She prefers sour and sweet flavors to stimulate her appetite. Keep an eye on the kitchen and have them change the dishes daily.”

Ji Fang quickly responded, “Yes, Your Majesty, your servant remembers the Princess’s preferences well.”

“Yes, you’ve been by my side since childhood, and also served my sister. You understand her best; otherwise, I wouldn’t have entrusted you to attend her.” Cheng Zheng rose and sat on the nearby cushioned bench, then asked, “Now that He Jinlin has been promoted and reassigned, what are her plans for the Marquis of Wude?”

“This morning, the Princess sent a message to the Court of Justice, ordering the execution of Zhao Zongzheng. All officials involved in Longzhou from the Court and provincial government have been detained pending investigation. As for the Marquis…” Ji Fang hesitated, gauging Cheng Zheng’s expression. “The Marquis, as the Transport Commissioner, failed to supervise disaster relief grain distribution and is suspected of dereliction. By the Princess’s decree, he has been stripped of his post, docked two years’ salary, and ordered to remain in seclusion for reflection. The Court of Justice has likely released the others by now.”

Cheng Zheng fell silent. Zhao Zongzheng had only recently taken office before the new year, and a thorough investigation would show his minimal involvement. This was merely scapegoating the Marquis. Cheng Mu Ning’s leniency suggested only one possibility: she knew of the Marquis’s dealings with palace funds.

Cheng Zheng paused before saying, “Chen Dan died a few days ago. Sister must be furious.”

“Uh.” Ji Fang tried to conceal the truth. “Chen Dan slipped and fell into the water…”

Cheng Zheng shot him a glance. “There’s no need for you to mediate. I harbor no blame against her. I know Sister acted for my sake. She…”

He stopped briefly. “Did she say anything else?”

Ji Fang understood the emperor’s worry and answered truthfully, “The Princess said nothing.”

Saying nothing was the worst sign.

In the past, his sister would have erupted in anger and rushed to rebuke him. Now, she quietly handled Chen Dan’s death, likely deeply disappointed.

When Cheng Zheng escorted her back to the capital, he never believed he could hide such messy affairs from her for long and had prepared to submit with humility. Yet this time, Cheng Mu Ning didn’t even give him the chance to bow.

He pressed his lips. “Sister’s silence is a condemnation of me.”

“Not at all.” Ji Fang hastened to say. “Your Majesty worries too much. Since returning to the palace, the Princess has never lacked documents on her desk at the Fuluan Palace. She simply hasn’t found a moment to speak with you. Besides, by sparing the Marquis, she’s protecting you. After all, she’s been your closest sibling since childhood.”

“But she doesn’t understand me.” Cheng Zheng said dejectedly. “She’s never held my position and doesn’t know how hard it is to be emperor. The palace, from ministers to servants, all profess loyalty, but who doesn’t harbor other intentions? Without rewards, how can they truly be devoted? I don’t mind distributing gifts every festival — should the Ministry of Revenue bear that burden? Everyone sympathizes with the Ministry of Revenue’s difficulties, but who sympathizes with mine?”

His voice was full of grievance.

Ji Fang racked her brains to comfort him. “Your Majesty holds the supreme position and naturally bears heavier concerns. It matters little if the Princess understands you; what matters is her care for sibling bonds and her willingness to support you.”

Cheng Zheng sighed again. “True. Sister is still a Cheng through and through—strong-boned and resilient. Once she calms down, I’ll speak with her again. By the way, how have things been between her and Pei Shao lately?”

Considering this, Ji Fang chose her words carefully. “They’ve both been busy lately. The Princess hasn’t been seen visiting the commander.”

Cheng Zheng worried, “Pei Shao has mentioned the Infantry Division’s matters to me multiple times, but I’ve deflected them. Now that He Jinlin commands it, he’s likely displeased. Many military officers are close to the Pei family, and with war imminent, it’s crucial to avoid discord.”

Moreover, Pei Shao had not spoken of defense affairs for months, raising Cheng Zheng’s suspicion. With one hundred fifty thousand troops in the north, if rebellion breaks out, internal collusion would be even more troublesome than with the Prince of Yin.

Ji Fang understood Cheng Zheng’s meaning, but neither party could be brought to reconcile by his intervention. She only answered vaguely, “Matters of the heart can’t be rushed, but in my view, there are still sparks between the Princess and the commander.”

“You lack experience,” Cheng Zheng said. “Love is often sudden, but in all these years, I haven’t seen any correspondence between them. That little affection from before has likely faded.”

Ji Fang pouted. “So…”

“I do have an idea.” Cheng Zheng hesitated. “But it will trouble Sister.”

***

That afternoon, the Ministry of War’s deployment order arrived. Cheng Mu Ning instructed that the documents be delivered to Wei Lin. Alongside it was an additional gift.

After rummaging through many boxes, they finally found it.

It was a dagger.

Ji Fang recognized it immediately after a moment’s thought. It was the Princess’s old personal weapon. When the emperor had just ascended, the palace was far from peaceful, and the Princess had been frequently targeted for assassination. This dagger was crafted by a master smith at that time, made from precious materials—a rare treasure. Why was it now being bestowed upon Wei Lin?

Red Brocade carefully placed the dagger in its box and said, “The Princess said General Wei’s mission is for the court and fraught with danger. This is a gift for his protection. She urges him to be extremely cautious. When the mission is complete, there will be other rewards.”

It seemed the Princess intended to entrust Wei Lin with great responsibility. Ji Fang pondered thoughtfully, then narrowed her eyes with a smile. “They’ve made sour plum soup in the kitchen. I’ll check if the Princess has awakened from her nap.”

Since the affair with the account book, Ji Fang had grown increasingly attentive. Red Brocade rolled her eyes and turned to the errand boy, “Go quickly and return swiftly. Don’t dawdle along the way.”

The young eunuch, newly assigned from the inner service, was energetic. He took off at a sprint, disappearing like a shadow. The journey to the military camp took half an hour on a fast horse.

The dagger was indeed rare. Any weapons expert would recognize it as the work of Master Shan Zhi. Wei Lin had served under Pei Shizi, was neither tempted by beauty nor wealth, and carried a strong upright spirit. Yet he harbored a secret fondness for collecting famous weapons, especially those crafted by Shan Zhi.

Only a few close to him knew this. Whether the Princess’s gift was coincidence or deliberate, it struck precisely at Wei Lin’s weakness. He concealed no emotion, thanked them politely, and respectfully saw the eunuch out of the camp. Once alone, he could not resist drawing the blade to examine it.

“Just the gleam of this blade is extraordinary.”

Beside him, Zhou Min sneered, “Nothing comes without a price. It probably has poison on the edge. Be careful when carrying it.”

Wei Lin glanced at him and shook his head helplessly.

Though Zhou Min held a grudge against the Princess, his words were not entirely exaggerated. The Princess’s gift surely had a purpose. Wei Lin pondered for a moment, then pushed aside the tent curtain.

Cheng Zheng usually had guards nearby, and Pei Shao was responsible for palace patrols. But recently, Cheng Zheng preferred solitude, so Pei Shao came to the camp to oversee matters. Wei Lin entered to find Pei Shao standing before a wall covered with maps. The intricate red lines traced the southern routes.

Pei Shao put down his pen. “Come take a look.”

Wei Lin examined the map. The cities circled in vermilion connected Yaozhou and the capital by a winding path, not the shortest route. He thought, “He Jinlin transported so much stolen treasure; their usual path should be quicker.”

In these times, every moment counted.

Pei Shao grabbed a cloth, wiping ink from his palm, and sat down. “But their usual transfer point is Xuzhou, which lies next to the Prince of Yin’s stronghold. The convoy would be ambushed before arriving.”

Wei Lin considered. “You want me to take over the Ministry of War’s assignment?”

“This is no ordinary order,” Pei Shao said. “It bears the emperor’s personal seal. You have no choice but to go.”

Wei Lin understood the gravity but muttered with some reluctance, “Now that He Jinlin commands the Infantry Division, he’ll have a share of the imperial troops. If he wants to prove himself, we’ll have to do the legwork behind the scenes.”

Pei Shao was unfazed. His gaze fell on the box in Wei Lin’s hand, tapping twice on the table with his forefinger. Wei Lin paused and presented the dagger on the table. Pei Shao said, “This mission is dangerous. When he leaves the capital, he leads the Infantry Division, but to hold that position long, he must return alive.”

He glanced at the dagger. “Hasn’t he already handed you the weapon?”

Wei Lin was stunned but immediately understood.

He hesitated. “Only He Jinlin can access Yaozhou’s private treasury. If there’s to be an attack, it will be on the return journey. I’m also responsible for escorting supplies. If he dies halfway, I might not be able to leave for Luzhou.”

“I have other plans for Luzhou,” Pei Shao said. “Once you take over He Jinlin’s duties, his position becomes yours.”

Wei Lin’s heart stiffened, grasping the meaning behind it.

Pei Shao continued, “You needn’t come to the palace these days. Entrust your duties to Zhou Min. The Ministry of War won’t wait; they’ll assemble troops within three days.”

“Yes.” Wei Lin no longer questioned and prepared to leave.

Pei Shao called after him, “The route map.”

Wei Lin stopped, hurriedly taking down the map from the wall. Before leaving, he paused briefly, eyes flicking to the dagger on the table and then cautiously glancing at Pei Shao. But Pei Shao, leaning back in his chair, was absorbed in reading a newly delivered military report, giving no sign. Wei Lin pressed his lips and reluctantly withdrew.

***

Three days later, Cheng Mu Ning stood atop the city tower to observe the troops.

Feng Yu of the Ministry of War oversaw troop deployment and had arrived early. Rarely was this affair unrelated to the Ministry of Revenue, yet Zhang Ji was bustling about, pulling two generals aside with fervor. “The court is in crisis. This mission is to save the nation and its people! Please be vigilant and ensure the funds and grain reach the capital safely. The court will remember your merit. I, Zhang Ji, thank you in advance!”

Having spoken, Zhang Ji bowed deeply.

He Jinlin and Wei Lin were so nervous they steadied him. “Minister, you flatter us…”

Zhang Ji was about to respond when Feng Yu stepped forward, interrupting. He Jinlin and Wei Lin seized the moment, mounted their horses, and rode off.

Zhang Ji watched the dust rise behind the troops, nearly in tears. “Now, finally, I can sleep peacefully.”

Feng Yu ascended the tower, adopting a solemn tone. “Funding is just the first step. Marching and fighting are the real challenges. We’re not yet at ease.”

Zhang Ji clasped his hands behind his back, glancing at him. “I know. You’re the most devoted to the court’s welfare, thinking further than anyone else.”

Feng Yu snorted but couldn’t help smiling.

The tension from the previous banquet was gone. Even Feng Yu’s usually scowling face looked unusually gentle. Upon reaching the tower, Zhang Ji beamed at a figure. “Princess, when did you arrive?”

Feng Yu’s smile vanished, and he bowed alongside Zhang Ji.

Cheng Mu Ning returned the salute with a smile. “I saw you both busy and did not wish to disturb. These days have been exhausting. Once matters conclude, I shall commend you before His Majesty.”

Zhang Ji waved his hand. “Nonsense, it’s all our duty—”

“Merit matters not,” Feng Yu cut in coldly. “His Majesty must resume court sessions soon. The Princess cannot be burdened with the imperial seal forever. That would violate ritual and ancestral law. It is no lasting solution.”

Cheng Mu Ning smiled faintly. “Minister Feng remains as candid as ever. I will advise His Majesty to prioritize governance.”

“Good.” Feng Yu said no more and coldly moved aside.

Zhang Ji hesitated, smiled awkwardly at the Princess, then followed Feng Yu. “I know you’ve long disliked the Princess, but without her, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. Your attitude earlier was uncalled for.”

Feng Yu sneered. “I bear no grudge against her. I speak plainly. Four years ago, I warned there’d be trouble when the Princess was given a seat in the Council. Look what happened.”

“That was then,” Zhang Ji said. “We are old ministers from the late emperor’s reign, having watched the siblings grow. If not for the feud over Princess Yongzhao that drove them apart, things would be different. Now they’ve reconciled. His Majesty trusts her, and she supports him. Together, they face challenges. Isn’t that better than us running aimlessly months ago?”

“You’re naive,” Feng Yu stopped. “Old wounds don’t heal easily. His Majesty needs the Princess now, but what about later? Wars end, crises resolve. Will the emperor still trust her then? It depends on her will too. Harmony won’t come so easily.”

He glanced distantly at Cheng Mu Ning. “Sometimes, having too large a heart isn’t a blessing.”

***

Cheng Mu Ning returned to the palace at sunset. Eunuchs were already waiting inside the Imperial Palace gates. As her palanquin landed, one stepped forward. “Princess, His Majesty sent me to summon you to the Council.”

Cheng Mu Ning paused, surprised that Cheng Zheng had taken the initiative to appear.

She asked, “Did he say what it’s about?”

The eunuch shook his head. “His Majesty only said it is urgent and asked that you come without delay.”